Gambiaj.com – (Malé, Maldives) – The Republic of Maldives has officially submitted its written observations to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Gambia v. Myanmar, a landmark case concerning alleged violations of the Genocide Convention against Rohingya Muslims.

Maldives’ Attorney General Ahmed Usham, acting as the country’s agent at the ICJ, filed the written observations on February 28, 2025. This follows the ICJ’s July 3, 2024, ruling that granted the Maldives permission to intervene in the case under Article 63(2) of the Court’s Statute.

Why the Maldives Intervened

The Maldives, a Muslim-majority nation, has consistently voiced strong support for justice for the Rohingya people, who have suffered persecution and displacement in Myanmar. The country’s intervention aligns with broader efforts by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), of which both The Gambia and Maldives are members, to hold Myanmar accountable for alleged acts of genocide.

The Gambia initially filed the case on November 11, 2019, accusing Myanmar of committing acts of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim population in Rakhine State. The case is seen as a crucial test of the Genocide Convention’s enforcement and the responsibility of states to prevent and punish genocide.

By submitting its written observations, the Maldives aims to reinforce the legal interpretation of key provisions of the Genocide Convention, particularly Articles I, IV, V, and VI, which relate to the obligation to prevent and punish genocide.

The Maldivian government has reiterated its commitment to upholding international law and advocating for accountability in cases of mass atrocities. The country’s intervention reflects its broader diplomatic stance in supporting global human rights mechanisms and justice for marginalized communities.

With this latest submission, the Maldives joins a growing number of states engaged in the case, underscoring the international community’s continued scrutiny of Myanmar’s actions against the Rohingya. The ICJ proceedings remain ongoing as the Court deliberates on the legal responsibilities of Myanmar under the Genocide Convention.